The New Orleans Saints (6-10) are set to close out their season against the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) on Sunday afternoon in the ATL.
The Saints have now won four straight games, coming off of a comeback win against the Titans in Nashville a week ago. Despite key injuries, this New Orleans team continues to build momentum down the stretch with their rookie head coach and quarterback.
The Falcons are also finishing strong, entering play having won their last three. Last Monday night, they played spoiler against the Rams, defeating Los Angeles 27-24.
Kickoff between New Orleans and Atlanta from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for noon on Sunday, January 4th.
BANGED UP SKILL PLAYERS
The Saints have been without Alvin Kamara and Devaughn Vele of late, and that list is only growing. It was discovered that Chris Olave has a blood clot and will not play on Sunday.
Therefore, the Saints receiving corps will be led by Kevin Austin Jr and Dante Pettis. With Mason Tipton also still out, Shough will be dealing with a skeleton group of pass-catchers in the finale.
PLAYING SPOILER
Despite both teams being eliminated, the Saints-Falcons matchup could still ironically decide the NFC South champion.
The Panthers and Bucs play on Saturday night, If Carolina wins that game, they are the division champions. However, if Tampa wins, they still need the Saints to beat the Falcons. An Atlanta win could create a three-way tie, with the Panthers winning the tiebreaker.
Therefore, a Tampa win on Saturday would make this Sunday matchup that much more intriguing.
DRAFT PICKS AND SCHEDULES
Another thing that this game could impact is draft pick selection. The Saints could pick in the top ten with a loss but could fall into the early teens with a win.
Additionally, the Saints can still finish as high as second or as low as fourth in the division. Division placement determines some of your schedule the following season. Therefore, Sunday’s game actually could impact next season significantly, even if both teams will not be participating in the playoffs.
SERIES RECORD: Falcons lead 57-56
Last 5 Meetings:
2025: Falcons 24 – Saints 10
2024: Saints 20 – Falcons 17
2024: Falcons 26 – Saints 24
2023: Saints 48 – Falcons 17
2023: Falcons 24 – Saints 15
STAT LEADERS:
Saints
Tyler Shough: 198-292, 2,125 Yards, 9 TD, 5 INT
Alvin Kamara: 131 Carries, 471 Yards, 1 TD
Chris Olave: 100 Catches, 1,163 Yards, 9 TD
Cam Jordan: 9.5 Sacks
Demario Davis: 137 Tackles (63 Solo)
Kool-Aid McKinstry: 3 INT
Charlie Smyth: 11-of-14 Field Goals, Long of 57, 11-of-11 PAT
Falcons
Kirk Cousins: 148-237, 1,541 Yards, 9 TD, 4 INT
Bijan Robinson: 272 Carries, 1,445 Yards, 7 TD
Kyle Pitts: 82 Catches, 870 Yards, 5 TD
Brandon Dorlus & James Pearce Jr: 8.5 Sacks
Kaden Elliss: 101 Tackles (57 Solo)
Xavier Watts: 5 INT
Zane Gonzalez: 15-of-18 Field Goals, Long of 56, 16-of-17 PAT
INJURY REPORT:
Saints
Alvin Kamara, RB, Knee/Ankle, Out
Cesar Ruiz, OG, Ankle, Out
Nathan Shepherd, DT, Ankle/Knee, Out
Chris Olave, WR, Illness, Out
Bryan Bresee, DT, Knee, Out
Dillon Radunz, G, Knee, Questionable
Demario Davis, LB, Calf, Questionable
Spencer Rattler, QB, Finger, Questionable
Falcons
Brandon Dorlus, DL, Hamstring, Out
Clark Phillips III, CB, Triceps/Illness, Out
DeMarco Hellams, S, Hamstring, Questionable
Drake London, WR, Knee, Questionable
Kyle Pitts Sr, TE, Knee, Questionable
Sam Roberts, DL, Knee/Ankle, Questionable
Darnell Mooney, WR, Knee, Questionable